Bricklayer

A global AI analysis is below; pick a country for local salary, licensing and migration data.

Compressed by automation

Bricklaying tasks are highly dependent on physical labor and site conditions, making them difficult for AI/automation to directly replace. However, prefabrication and robotic bricklaying technology are gradually reducing demand for entry-level positions, and future automation in construction will decrease low-skilled bricklaying jobs.

AI Exposure Index (AIOE)

4 / 100

More exposed than about 4% of occupations (percentile; higher = more exposed to AI)

🤖 AI already replacing this job (tools / products / research / news)

Hadrian X Product Major 2018

Replaces bricklayers' manual brick laying in residential wall construction, including transporting, applying mortar, and placing bricks.
SAM (Semi-Automated Mason) Product Partial 2015

It replaces some repetitive tasks in the bricklaying process, such as fetching bricks, spreading mortar, and placing, but manual assistance is required for complex details.
BIM 360 Platform Partial 2017

It replaces the bricklayer's manual brick layout and material quantity calculation before construction, optimizing brick arrangement through algorithms to reduce waste.
Doxel Platform Partial 2018

Replaces bricklayers' inspection and acceptance of walls by automatically identifying masonry verticality, mortar joint thickness, and other quality issues using cameras and AI.
Canvas Product Partial 2020

Replaces a bricklayer's finishing work like plastering and sanding on walls, especially suitable for fine finishing of indoor masonry surfaces.

⚠ Tasks AI will take over or replace

Repetitive brick positioning and alignment (automated bricklaying robots can be programmed)
Mortar Mixing and Application (prefabricated parts and mechanical spraying reduce labor)
Basic wall elevation and verticality checks (laser measurement and AI vision replace manual measurement)
Material handling and stacking (autonomous mobile robots can transport bricks)
Laying of simple decorative patterns (replaced by CNC cutting and prefabricated pattern boards)

↑ Tasks AI will augment

Using AR glasses or tablets to view 3D models and construction drawings in real time
Using AI vision analysis tools for masonry quality inspection and correction suggestions
On-site layout and positioning using BIM software and laser scanners
Using inventory management apps to automatically track brick and mortar consumption
Use digital platforms to coordinate multi-trade construction sequences and schedules

🛡 Human moat

Handcrafted aesthetics and customization of complex curved walls, arches, and other fine masonry
Flexible judgment and adjustment under changing field conditions (e.g., bad weather, irregular foundations)
Ability to communicate directly with clients and designers to determine aesthetic and functional requirements
Multi-material (brick, stone, tile) comprehensive construction experience
Leadership responsibility for safety production and team collaboration

Skills to build (next 5 years)

BIM modeling and on-site digital layout skills
Ability to operate automated bricklaying robots or auxiliary equipment
Using drones or laser scanning for construction site quality monitoring
Green building standards and energy-efficient masonry techniques
Project management and on-site coordination communication skills
Applying augmented reality (AR) for construction guidance

Entry-level outlook

Entry-level roles are narrowing because prefabricated brick walls and automatic bricklaying robots reduce on-site simple masonry work, while labor shortages increase demand for skilled bricklayers; newcomers need longer training to handle advanced tasks.

🚀 How to level up in the AI era

Bricklayers should upgrade to advanced masonry technicians and digital construction supervisors, mastering BIM modeling, automatic bricklaying robot programming, and laser rangefinder operation, while specializing in high-value areas such as historical building restoration or decorative masonry. By obtaining industry certifications (e.g., Australian License) and using VR/AR training tools, they can take on more complex commercial projects and eventually transition to building quality inspectors or construction technology consultants.

Adjacent careers if risk is high

Plasterer Tiler Concrete Worker

Local data by country

Australia New Zealand Germany Spain

Overall: 6.7/10 Workforce: 35,000 Occupation code: 331111 (ANZSCO) Skilled migration occupation

Ratings · Overall 6.7/10

Salary

Experience	Annual (AUD)
薪资中位数	$120,484 ~ $120,484	全职周中位收入×52 年化（来源：ABS EEH May 2025，ANZSCO 4位）
Apprentice Year 1	$21,000 ~ $28,000	Fair Work Award minimum wage
Apprentice Years 2–4	$28,000 ~ $46,000	Approx. $23–$30/hr
Junior bricklayer (1–3 years post-qualification)	$62,000 ~ $78,000	Indeed 25th percentile
Mid-level bricklayer (3–8 years)	$78,000 ~ $95,000	SEEK range $80k–$90k; Indeed $31.36–$43.36/hr
Senior tiler / contractor (8+ years)	$95,000 ~ $120,000	Includes contractor margin and site management responsibilities
Mining / large-scale infrastructure FIFO	$110,000 ~ $150,000	Shift allowance + FIFO allowance
平均薪资	$91,364 ~ $91,364	全体雇员周均总现金×52 年化（来源：ABS EEH May 2025，ANZSCO 大类）

Education Path

Stage	Duration	Cost (AUD)
Apprenticeship (including CPC33020 Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying)	42–48 months	$0~$1,200
Overseas qualification recognition (TRA Job Ready Program)	12–18 months	$2,000~$5,000

Qualifications

Qualification	Issuer
Certificate III in Bricklaying/Blocklaying (CPC33020)	TAFE / RTO	Required
White Card (CPCCWHS1001)	Approved RTO	Required
TRA Skills Assessment	Trades Recognition Australia	Optional

Migration (to Australia)

Visa	Details
482 Skills in Demand	Employer-sponsored, up to 4 years, eligible to transition to 186 after 2 years
186 ENS	Employer-sponsored permanent residency
189 SkillSelect Independent	No employer required, invitation-based, listed on MLTSSL
190 Skilled Nominated	State nomination adds 5 points, permanent residency · ~75 pts competitive cut-off (2025–26, indicative)
491 Skilled Work Regional	Regional nomination adds 15 points, PR after 5 years · ~70 pts competitive cut-off (2025–26, indicative)

Who it fits

✓ Fits

Background in construction/bricklaying/masonry, looking to migrate to Australia through a skills visa
Comfortable with heavy physical labour and outdoor construction and dusty environments
Goal is to build experience and then establish an independent building contracting company
Aged 25–38, with the physical capacity to complete an apprenticeship or TRA assessment

✗ Not for

Back or knee health issues making prolonged heavy bricklaying unsuitable
Expecting high pay and fast placement (bricklayers' starting wages are lower than electricians' and plumbers')
Completely no construction or bricklaying background

Career outlook

Australia's ongoing housing shortage is keeping construction activity at elevated levels, widening the supply–demand gap for bricklayers. The risk of AI substitution is extremely low, as bricklaying and stonemasonry are both highly dependent on manual skill.

JSA projects approximately 195,800 new construction trades jobs by 2035 (+9.8%). Residential construction expansion is the core driver of bricklayer demand.

Growth areas：
Residential ConstructionCommercial & Industrial BuildingsInfrastructure & Civil WorksHeritage RestorationLandscaping & Retaining Walls

FAQ

How much do bricklayers earn in Australia?

Mid-level bricklayers earn approximately $78,000–$95,000 per year, with SEEK listing $80k–$90k (2026). Contractors can reach $95k–$120k; apprentices approximately $21k–$46k.

Is it easy to find work as a bricklayer in Australia?

Relatively easy. Listed on MLTSSL, with 600–1,200 active Seek listings driven by residential construction demand; licensed workers can typically secure roles quickly.

Is bricklaying experience from overseas recognised in Australia?

Not directly recognised; assessment through the TRA Job Ready Program is required, with a process of approximately 12–18 months.

Will bricklayers be replaced by robots?

Risk is very low in the short term. Automated bricklaying robots (e.g. SAM100) have been trialled on some sites, but costs are high and applications are limited; human bricklayers will remain the primary workforce before 2030.

Is there an age limit for tilers in Australia?

No formal upper age limit, but the physically demanding nature of the work makes it better suited to those under 35. Those over 35 can pursue the TRA mutual recognition pathway, with career progression toward foreperson or quality inspection roles.

Do bricklayers in Australia need a university degree?

No requirement. Completing a Certificate III (CPC33020) is sufficient to practise; school leavers can apply directly for an apprenticeship.

Is bricklaying hard to learn in Australia?

Moderate difficulty. Basic bricklaying is relatively easy to pick up; stonework and decorative masonry require more training. Those with a construction background will adapt more quickly.

Which is better for migrating to Australia — bricklaying or carpentry?

Both are on the MLTSSL. Carpentry has higher employment volume and slightly higher wages; bricklaying is more physically demanding but equally competitive, with the same PR pathway.

Data sources

Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on Seek, Indeed, Glassdoor and ERI SalaryExpert; employment and demand forecasts cite Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) and the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS); visa and migration details follow the latest occupation lists from the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authorities. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.

Overall: 7.5/10 Workforce: 5,000 Occupation code: 331111 (ANZSCO) Skilled migration occupation

Ratings · Overall 7.5/10

Salary

Experience	Annual (NZD)
薪资中位数	$69,160 ~ $69,160	周中位收入×52 年化（来源：Stats NZ 2025，ANZSCO 1位大类）
Entry level (0–3 years)	$45,000 ~ $55,000	Typically apprentice or beginner
Mid-level (3–6 years)	$55,000 ~ $75,000	Experienced bricklayer
Senior (6+ years)	$75,000 ~ $95,000	Advanced bricklayer or self-employed
平均薪资	$74,204 ~ $74,204	周均值×52 年化（来源：Stats NZ 2025，ANZSCO 1位大类）

Education Path

Stage	Duration	Cost (NZD)
Short-term courses or apprenticeships	3-4 years	$0~$20,000

Qualifications

Qualification	Issuer
New Zealand Bricklaying Certificate (Level 4)	Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation (BCITO)	Optional
Site Safe card	Site Safe	Optional

Migration (to New Zealand)

Visa	Details
Green List T1 Straight to Residence Visa	Direct residence visa, no need to work for two years, eligible upon meeting age, skill, and salary requirements
AEWV Accredited Employer Work Visa	Accredited Employer Work Visa, applicable for bricklayers with a job offer, can lead to residence
SMC Skilled Migrant Category	Skilled migration category, eligible for Green List occupation points, easy to meet under 6-point system

Who it fits

✓ Fits

People who enjoy outdoor physical work
Detail-oriented individuals who value craftsmanship and attention to detail
Tradesperson seeking fast-track immigration to New Zealand

✗ Not for

People who dislike physical labor or outdoor work
People who cannot adapt to高空作业 or repetitive actions

Career outlook

Junior bricklayers can advance to senior bricklayer, foreman, or project manager, or become self-employed. Continuous learning of new skills (e.g., stone masonry) can increase salary.

With New Zealand's housing shortage and Christchurch rebuild, demand for bricklayers continues to grow. Expected 5%-7% job growth over the next five years, driven primarily by construction activity.

Growth areas：
Green List Tier 1Skilled Migrant CategoryConstruction BoomResidential Building

FAQ

What is the salary for a bricklayer in New Zealand?

Entry-level (0-3 years) annual salary approx $45,000-$55,000, mid-level (3-6 years) $55,000-$75,000, senior (6+ years) up to $75,000-$95,000. Self-employed income higher.

How can a bricklayer immigrate to New Zealand?

This occupation is on the Green List Tier 1, can directly apply for Straight to Residence Visa, or transition after working on an AEWV. Requires a job offer and certified qualification.

Is there a shortage of bricklayers in New Zealand?

Yes, bricklayers are in long-term shortage, especially in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. The government encourages overseas skilled workers to fill the gap.

Data sources

Salary estimates on this page are compiled from publicly available ranges on Seek NZ, Trade Me Jobs, Glassdoor, PayScale, etc. Employment and demand forecasts reference Stats NZ and MBIE. Immigration information is based on Immigration New Zealand's Green List and latest skilled migration (SMC / AEWV) rules. Data is for reference only. Always refer to official sources for the most current information.

Overall: 7.2/10 Workforce: 85,000 Occupation code: 3212 (KldB) Restricted migration (qualification recognition / employer-sponsored)

Ratings · Overall 7.2/10

Salary

Experience	Annual (EUR)
薪资中位数	€43,668 ~ €43,668	月薪 gross 中位数×12 年化（来源：Destatis Verdiensterhebung 2025，KldB 3位）
Entry level (0–3 years)	€28,000 ~ €34,000	Pre-tax annual salary, depending on region and company size
Intermediate (3-10 years)	€35,000 ~ €45,000	Annual pre-tax salary, including overtime and bonuses
Senior (over 10 years/foreman)	€46,000 ~ €55,000	Pre-tax annual salary, including management responsibilities
平均薪资	€46,536 ~ €46,536	月薪 gross 均值×12 年化（来源：Destatis Verdiensterhebung 2025，KldB 3位）

Education Path

Stage	Duration	Cost (EUR)
Dual system training	3 years (dual system)	€0~€500
Advanced skilled worker certificate	1 year (in-service)	€2,000~€5,000

Qualifications

Qualification	Issuer
Bricklayer vocational training certificate	German Chamber of Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Crafts (HWK)	Required
Overseas qualification assessment	German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training	Required
Scaffolding operation certificate	German Occupational Safety Institution	Optional

Migration (to Germany)

⚠ This occupation is not on the direct Blue Card track, so direct skilled migration is unavailable; however migration is possible via the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) or an employer-sponsored skilled-worker visa — usually requiring qualification recognition (Anerkennung), with limited pathways and places. Refer to the latest Skilled Immigration Act rules and German authorities.

Visa	Details
Skilled Worker Skilled Immigration Act Work Visa	Requires German-recognized vocational qualifications and a German employer contract
Chancenkarte Opportunity Card	Based on a points system, allows job seeking in Germany, requires qualification recognition
Job Seeker Job Seeker Visa	6-month job-seeking visa, requiring credential recognition and sufficient funds

Who it fits

✓ Fits

People who enjoy hands-on and outdoor work
Passionate about the construction industry and willing to do physical work
Those seeking stable careers without needing a university degree

✗ Not for

Those sensitive to physical labor or bad weather.
Those who dislike strict safety regulations and repetitive work

Career outlook

Career progression path: from skilled bricklayer can advance to foreman (Polier), construction manager, or self-employed contractor, or further study to become a construction technician or engineer.

The German construction industry continues to grow, with housing and infrastructure projects driving demand for bricklayers. Due to a shortage of skilled workers, employment prospects are good, especially in North Rhine-Westphalia and Bavaria.

Growth areas：
Housing constructionInfrastructure projectsRenovation workSkilled trades shortage

FAQ

What is the salary level for bricklayers in Germany?

Junior annual salary approx. €28,000-34,000, mid-level €35,000-45,000, senior foreman up to €55,000. Salaries vary by region, company size, and experience.

How can an overseas bricklayer immigrate to Germany?

Must pass professional qualification certification (Anerkennung), and can apply for a skilled migration visa after obtaining a German employer contract. Shortage occupations can be fast-tracked.

What career development opportunities are there for bricklayers?

Can advance to foreman (Polier), construction manager, or become a skilled technician through Meister training, or start own construction company.

Data sources

Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on StepStone, Glassdoor, Gehalt.de and the Federal Statistical Office (destatis); employment and demand outlook cite the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and destatis; visa and migration details follow the latest German Skilled Immigration Act (Fachkräfteeinwanderungsgesetz) rules covering the EU Blue Card, skilled-worker visa, Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) and qualification recognition (Anerkennung). Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.

Overall: 6.1/10 Workforce: 110,000 Occupation code: 7121 (CNO) Not a skilled migration occupation

Ratings · Overall 6.1/10

Salary

Experience	Annual (EUR)
薪资中位数	€22,080 ~ €22,080	全国年薪中位数（来源：INE EAES 2022，CNO 大类）
Entry level (0–3 years)	€19,000 ~ €24,000	Pre-tax annual salary, usually calculated as daily wage (about 70-90 euros/day)
Mid-level (3–7 years)	€24,000 ~ €30,000	Pre-tax annual salary, including overtime and project bonuses
Senior (7+ years)	€30,000 ~ €38,000	Pre-tax annual salary: foremen or self-employed individuals earn more
平均薪资	€24,318 ~ €24,318	全国年薪均值（来源：INE EAES 2022，CNO 大类）

Education Path

Stage	Duration	Cost (EUR)
Vocational Training (FP Grado Medio)	2 years	€0~€5,000
Apprenticeship (Formación Profesional Dual)	2-3 years	€0~€3,000

Qualifications

Qualification	Issuer
Construction Industry Safety Card (Tarjeta Profesional de la Construcción)	Fundación Laboral de la Construcción	Required
Diploma in Vocational Training (Técnico en Construcción)	Ministry of Education/Labor Bureau	Optional

Migration (to Spain)

Not a skilled migration occupation. Visa pathways depend on matching the specific duties to the correct CNO occupation, with qualification recognition (homologación) for regulated professions; refer to the latest Spanish authorities (SEPE / immigration office).

Who it fits

✓ Fits

People with good physical strength who are adapted to outdoor and high-altitude work
Those who enjoy hands-on activities and are passionate about the construction industry
People willing to learn skills through an apprenticeship

✗ Not for

Those who dislike physical labor or are sensitive to dust/noise
People who want to quickly secure a high salary or office job

Career outlook

Practitioners can be promoted from ordinary bricklayers to foremen or construction supervisors, or through experience accumulation and training, transition to construction management or entrepreneurship (subcontractors).

The recovery of Spain's construction industry has stabilized demand for bricklayers but is heavily affected by economic cycles. In 2023, employment was about 110,000, and moderate growth is expected in the coming years due to housing upgrades and infrastructure projects.

Growth areas：
Construction recoveryRenovation projectsInfrastructure investmentLabor shortages in skilled trades

FAQ

What is the annual salary range for bricklayers in Spain?

Entry-level is about 19,000–24,000 euros, intermediate is 24,000–30,000, and seniors can reach up to 38,000 euros (pre-tax). Actual income varies depending on region, project type, and whether the company is self-operated.

Can non-EU citizens immigrate to Spain through the bricklayer profession?

It's tough. Bricklayers are non-high-skilled occupations and do not meet the requirements for the EU Blue Card. A job contract sponsored by a Spanish company is required, and it must be proven that the position cannot be filled locally; the annual quota is limited.

What career development paths are available for bricklayers?

You can be promoted to foreman (encargado), construction supervisor (capataz), or through further training to become a construction technical engineer (FP Superior). You can also start your own business and contract small projects.

Data sources

Salary ranges are estimates aggregated from public listings on InfoJobs, Indeed, Glassdoor and Tecnoempleo; employment and demand outlook cite the Spanish Public Employment Service (SEPE) and the National Statistics Institute (INE); visa and migration details follow the latest Spanish rules covering the EU Blue Card (Tarjeta azul UE), the highly-qualified professional permit under Ley 14/2013, the Cuenta ajena work-residence permit and qualification recognition (homologación) for regulated professions. Figures are indicative only — always refer to the latest official sources.

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